Monday, April 17, 2017

Table Design

My first art show was at Artspace in ... I don't know ... 2005 or something. Artspace is all about walls, so the first year I just hung framed art and the second year I got a rack for prints. The third year I got a second rack for original unframed works. Each year I learn. Each year I grow. Here's my space from 2007. (Two racks and a card table!)

As time passed and I took notice of what people were buying and spending and what other artists were selling, I started making more "table art." The picture books were obviously table art and then I made stuffed animals to go with them. Packs of cards are also table art. (Below) Here I am in 2014 at my Artspace area, with table.)

My Artspace shows will continue to have those wall available, so I will continue to bring wall art to hang, but I've noticed over the years that it's the items in the racks and the table art that sells better than the $350 watercolor painting. Also, some of the spaces that I'm showing in with the WeHa Artists Emporium don't have usable walls. These are booth shows. So I've adapted. Now I make way more table art.

And, with the changing product, there are better ways to display them. I've become obsessed with table design.

Oh, the Pinterest boards on table design for art shows! Sigh. There are so many. How to create a uniform look, how to display your brand, height, colors, yadda, yadda, yadda. It's a whole thing. So this year, in preparation for the Spring Market, I've been setting my tables up in the studio (ahead of time) so I can plan everything out.

This is my jewelry table. (I'm making jewelry this year.)

I already had black tablecloths, but I thought they were too dark, so I added a smaller white one on top. My booth colors are black and white (because my art is colorful and I didn't want to compete) but I'm going with natural stained wood for my table accessories. I've been able to find some nice display pieces online through an Etsy shopped called USaveCo, and some stuff I just get from kitchen stores and tag sales. (Above) See that little white pillow I made to help display the necklaces? I saw that idea on Pinterest!)

(Above) This is my display plan for my "fun" table. This one will have the books, felt animals, and some of the extra items from the Things with Wings Art Hunt. Having a variety of eye levels is a big thing for an attractive table display, so I bought some shelves and rummaged the house for nice natural wood boxes and crates. And see in the frame in the middle - that hand print - that's my new brand "Handmade by Julie Phillipps." So all the tags have that now. (I still need to get business cards.)

So I'm classing it up a bit this year. Looking a little more polished. A little more professional. I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks so much for stopping in.
I hope everyone is enjoying the lovely Spring weather!